There are some legendary Oscar runs. Years where the winner of a category was known for months and every precursor landed in their laps. Last year, Da’Vine Joy Randolph had such a trek for her performance in “The Holdovers,” capping off with a Supporting Actress win. This year, in an eerily similar fashion, Kieran Culkin triumphed, landing his first Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category for “A Real Pain.”
A world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Jesse Eisenberg’s dramedy centers on two cousins (Eisenberg, Culkin) who reconnect on a trip to Poland to celebrate the passing of their beloved grandmother. The film earned rave reviews as well as a place on AFI’s top 10 list and a PGA Award nomination. It was shockingly snubbed from an expected Best Picture nomination.
Over the past 12 months, Culkin has won almost every possible honor for his performance. He’s taken the BAFTA Award, the SAG Award, a Golden Globe, the Critics Choice Award, and the Independent Spirit Award. He’s also been recognized by almost every major critics’ association, including the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review, the National Society of Film Critics, and the London Film Critics’ Circle. Overall, he won over 17 critics’ prizes alone.
This comes just a year after Culkin ended his run on HBO’s seminal drama series “Succession” by taking the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His first win after three nominations for playing the iconic and outspoken Roman Roy.
Culkin’s film credits include “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “The Cider House Rules,” “The Mighty,” and “She’s All That.” As a young child, he also starred alongside his brother Macauley in “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” A veteran of independent cinema, Culkin’s resume also features “Igby Goes Down,” “Lymelife,” “Margaret,” “Wiener-Dog,” and “The Dangerous Life of Altar Boys.”
Currently, Culkin is prepping for a revival staging of “Glengary Glenn Ross” alongside Bob Odenkirk and Bill Burr. This new production begins previews on Broadway on March 10.
“A Real Pain” is still in theaters and available to stream on Hulu
